Walt Disney World Just Closed 7 Major Attractions: What You Need to Know Before You Go
As Disney pivots toward its next generation of experiences, massive construction projects are reshaping the landscape of Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World this week, be ready for some changes. The resort is undergoing a big transformation, which means some attractions are closed—some for a short time and some for good. This will change the experience for visitors.
As of June 2026, parts of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are blocked off by construction walls, and some classic attractions are no longer open. Whether you visit often or this is your first time, here is what is currently closed at Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom: A Park in Transition
Magic Kingdom is the epicenter of the current changes, largely due to the massive, multi-year project to bring Piston Peak National Park to life.
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The Permanent Losses: For many fans, this is the hardest pill to swallow. The legendary Rivers of America, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the peaceful, exploratory Tom Sawyer Island are officially gone. These staples, which defined the Magic Kingdom skyline since 1971, have been drained and demolished to make way for a brand-new Cars-themed expansion.
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Frontierland’s New Look: Construction is moving fast. New concrete retaining walls have been erected, and the boardwalk area was officially walled off as of early June 2026. While the future holds two new, innovative Cars attractions, the current reality is a landscape of dirt, pipes, and heavy machinery.
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Temporary Refurbishments:
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Pete’s Silly Sideshow: This Storybook Circus character hub remains closed for refurbishment. While you can still catch Minnie and friends nearby, the indoor meet-and-greet space is off-limits.
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Big Top Souvenirs: This iconic circus tent is currently hidden behind construction scaffolding as crews perform structural repairs. No reopening date has been set, leaving a noticeable gap in the Storybook Circus footprint.
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Hollywood Studios: Moving Beyond Aerosmith
Hollywood Studios is also undergoing a major identity shift. The park is working to modernize its offerings, trading older, classic areas for new, IP-driven experiences.
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Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster: The Aerosmith era is officially a thing of the past. Following its closure on March 2, 2026, the ride is undergoing a complete transformation into Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. While the new attraction is slated to open soon, guests visiting during this current window will find the high-speed thrill ride unavailable.
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Animation Courtyard: The area formerly housing Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! remains largely closed as Disney reimagines this space for the new Walt Disney Studios section.
A Note of Good News: For guests needing a break from the Florida sun, the “Vacation Fun” presentation at the Mickey Shorts Theater has officially reopened, providing a much-needed indoor retreat.
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EPCOT: A Patriotic Shift
While EPCOT hasn’t been hit by the same scale of construction as its neighbors, it is currently in a state of operational flux. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Disney is preparing a seasonal shift. Soarin’ Around the World is scheduled to cycle out, making way for the return of Soarin’ Across America. Many legacy fans are celebrating this swap, as the original, landscape-focused film remains a favorite compared to its global successor.

Is Your Vacation Ruined?
It’s normal to feel a bit of “FOMO” when you see your favorite attractions disappear behind a wall of construction barriers. However, Disney is clearly playing the long game. The infrastructure currently being laid—from the subterranean drainage for Piston Peak to the updated theming in Hollywood Studios—is designed to support the park’s next generation of experiences.
Pro-Tip for Travelers: Before you head out, always check the official Walt Disney World “Non-Operable Attractions” page or the My Disney Experience app for the latest updates. Construction schedules can shift, and being “in the know” is the best way to keep your vacation feeling magical, even when the scenery looks a little different.
Going to the parks soon? Tell us in the comments how the construction is affecting your visit, and share your favorite memory of the closed Tom Sawyer Island!
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